Identification and Characterization of Ectoparasite-Borne Pathogens Through Vector and Animal Surveillance in Andean Countries, South America.

Abstract

Infectious diseases transmitted by ectoparasites such as fleas, lice, mites, and ticks constitute a global public health problem. Tick-borne diseases are the most widely studied emerging ectoparasite-borne diseases (EBD) mainly due to their increasing incidence worldwide, including in South America. Furthermore, in Peru and neighboring Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador), surveillance reports indicate that Rickettsia species appear to be the most diverse and widely distributed ectoparasite-borne pathogens (EBP) followed by Babesia species, and with fewer species of Anaplasma, Bartonella, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, and Phlebovirus pathogens. Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, and Ixodes ticks were reported as the most predominant ectoparasites found infected with a diversity of EBP belonging to Rickettsia, Babesia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia species. Overall, people living in rural areas where agriculture and livestock production are their main economic means are at higher risk of EBD.